Cat Washing

Unless they are drinking it, cats hate water. Most cats prefer to wash themselves. This makes it quite the chore to actually bathe them. Fortunately, cats keep themselves relatively clean through their own licking. They only need to be bathed on occasion, such as instances when they get extremely dirty or have a lot of fleas or ticks. Here are some tips to help make washing your cat easier.

1. Make sure that your cat really needs a bath. It's best to avoid giving baths whenever possible. If you can use a brush or a cloth instead, then do it.
2. Use a partner. The experience will be a lot easier if you have someone else to help. One of you can hold the cat still, while the other one washes the cat.
3. Remember that your cat has claws and teeth and that your cat will not be very happy when he or she gets wet. Wear clothes that will protect you from scratching and biting. Make sure you cover all bare skin on your arms, whether with a long-sleeve shirt or long gloves. Also, trim your cat's nails before you start. This should help reduce the scratching.
4. Comb your cat's hair before you start, especially if there are tangles or burrs in the fur. Also, if there are grease spots in the furr, pre-treat them before, so you can reduce the time of the bath. The best way to do this is to use a low-melting oil like vegetable oil or butter and rub it into the spot. Next, rub shampoo into the spot.
5. You can use a cat shampoo, a baby shampoo, or any other mild shampoo to wash your cat. Regular shampoo can harm your cat. Fill up a bucket with no more than five inches of water. Instead of using a bucket, you can also try to use a shower stall. Put some kind of rubber mat. Ensuring that your cat has traction will help your cat feel safer. Start washing from the neck down. After shampooing, use a smaller container to pour water on the cat to rinse it.
6. Use two hand towels to dry your cat.

With these tips and a little practice, you should be to get your cat looking and smelling clean and fresh. Every cat is different, so try a few options to see what works best for you and your cat.